The 12-acre campus has been a long undertake, and on March 19, the FTRA will host the Grand Opening of Phase I, which includes the Open-Air Texas Ranger Pavilion, the Campanile, or bell tower, which is a Beacon for Learning and a Salute to Good Citizenship. A huge Texas Ranger badge sculpture is the Ranger Ring of Honor Memorial, dedicated to those who lost their lives in the line of duty; names of those who sacrificed everything to serve Texas are inscribed there.

In addition, there is an Amphitheater, Campfire Circle and full catering kitchen.

The Grand Opening Ceremonies will begin at 10am. The dedication of the facility and Ranger Ring of Honor Memorial will include the firing of a canon, the singing of the National Anthem, and music by the Ice House Brass Band, a 15-piece ensemble from San Angelo. The Boy Scouts will be on hand to assist with the flag raising and open ceremonies.

The day is free to everyone; there will be musical entertainment by legends such as KR Wood, Clifton Jansky, and more. Cowboy Steve Schmidt from Enchanted Springs Ranch will tell the story “Behind the Badge”. Storyteller Cowboy Poet Pete Davis will be on hand for the day’s festivities, and Dennis Moore with the Buggy Barn Museum in Blanco will be providing wagon rides throughout the day.

Re-enactments will be held throughout the day, as well as a historic shoot out! Feel free to stroll over to Fort Martin Scott to see the historic buildings and learn of the ties the fort has to the Texas Rangers.

Visitors will enjoy a magic show, trick roping demonstrations by Kevin Fitzpatrick, storytelling, visiting with Texas History Authors, as well as Texas Rangers. Food vendors will be onsite as well.

At 4pm, the closing ceremonies will take place, and then preparations for the evening will begin.

A Chuck Wagon Dinner for 100 ‘Top Hands’ will begin with a Meet and Greet with the night’s headliner, Red Steagall. A steak dinner with all the fixings will be served.

At 8pm, the gates will open for General Admission ticket holders, and at 8:30pm, Red Steagall and the Boys in the Bunkhouse will take the stage.

The actor, musician, poet and performer will delight the audience with his award winning music and fantastic storytelling. Tickets are still available – but you better hurry! They are going fast! Call the office at 830-990-1192 to get yours today!

As the night winds down, the Grand Opening will become history. But the future of the Texas Rangers Heritage Center is still taking shape. Next up for the FTRA is Phase II, the main building where a world-class exhibit will be created that brings to life the history, heritage and culture of the Texas Rangers.

This building will become the focal that supports the FTRA’s LoneStar Ranger Academy, a youth education program dedicated to instilling moral values, virtuous actions and personal responsibility by introducing the ‘Five Character Traits’ that Texas Rangers embody.

The long range plans for the Texas Rangers Heritage Center are exciting, and the FTRA invites you to become a part of them. Come visit the grounds, learn about the culture of theTexas Rangers, and watch as the Texas Rangers Heritage Center comes to life.

The Former Texas Rangers Foundation, the FTRA’s fundraising arm, is a 501(c)3 non-profit and currently tasked with raising funds for the FTRA to build the Heritage Center Project. All donations, including memberships, are tax-deductible according to IRS regulations to the extent allowed by law. Contact the FTRF Office at 830-990-1192 for Special Event leasing opportunities at the Heritage Center or visit their website at www.TRHC.org. The Texas Rangers Heritage Center is located at 1618 East Main Street in Fredericksburg and is open to the public Thursday – Monday from 9:00 – 5:00.